Panera Bread more than lives up to expectations

I am an unabashed, unapologetic carb addict. Bread, pasta, pizza and potatoes, these are some of my favorite things.

So I was excited when I was told we were finally getting a Panera Bread in Lake Charles.

I had never been to the restaurant before, never had the chance. But with all the talk and praise the place receives I had
high expectations.

I am happy to report that Panera Bread, which is far more than just a bakery, delivered.

Alex Onken and I tried the place out this week and both left satisfied and full.

Alex ordered half of the tuna classic, a cup of autumn squash soup and a cherry Danish.

He said the soup was good but too sweet and rich for such a large portion. He also said the Danish was good.

I ordered a half of the steak and white cheddar panini sandwich, a cup of cream of chicken and wild rice soup, and a peanut
butter dream cookie.

I have to admit that I didn’t like the sandwich at first. One of my least favorite condiments in the world is horseradish
sauce, and the steak and cheese panini was covered in it. Because I didn’t see the sauce mentioned on the menu, I sent the
sandwich back to the kitchen. To the staff’s credit, they were accommodating and fixed another sandwich, sans horseradish,
and had it out to the table in under 10 minutes.

Without the horseradish, the sandwich
was great. The bread, onion and cheese were good, and the steak, cut
very thin, was
cooked medium to medium rare. It was perfect for me, but I know a
few people who can’t stand the sight of pink in their food.

The soup was the showstopper. It was
thick, creamy and hearty. The little French baguette that came with the
soup was also
amazing. I plan on ordering this every time I go, even though I
have been told that the creamy tomato and bistro onion soups
are equally good.

The cookie was good too — just a little to big for me to finish. It was easily the best peanut butter cookie outside of my
late grandmother’s kitchen.

Our bill was just over $20, not bad for a high-quality lunch break.

I was told by many people to try the mac and cheese dish, but I balked, preferring to save it up for the next time I go. Other
Panera Bread items that my family and friends raved about are the bagels, souffles and breakfast sandwiches.

Expect to spend a little time in line if it’s your first trip because there are a lot of options on the menu.

I have been a big fan of Panera since I lived in St. Louis and was very excited to see them come to Lake Charles. I'm a regular at this one already. One thing I would like to share with everyone is a little Panera ettiquette: Please clear your table when you finish! While the food and service are amazing, in the end it is not a table service restaurant... Take your dishes and trash to the designated areas. Also, if it's one or two of you, please don't take up residence in a booth with your laptops and free coffee refills. Save those tables for larger groups please.

Posted By: Judy MorenoT On: 9/23/2013

Title: Left over food after cafe closes

I live in Houston eat at Panera Bread all the time and at end of day here in Houston left over bread and rolls and still eatable food goes to homeless shelters. Just wondering what Panera in Lake Charles will be doing.